Looking For Answers (closed)

[zydrate]

“I know you’re trying D, and I appreciate it but really, I will think about it. I just feel sometimes, things are better said in person just to get my point across.”

He mentioned the sofa and Tori smiled. She had been thinking of this also but didn’t want to force it upon him, “I can take the sofa… I’m not picky like some people,” she told him, trying not to smile.

Tori closed her eyes when gave her a squeeze and kissed her head… oh how much she wanted more. He seemed to be reading her mind when he said she must be suffering too. Leaning her head back to look at him and ended up blushing when he winked at her… damn him, he knew that got to her each time, no matter what, she got that little tingle of want in her stomach from it.

“Or I could sneak out and back to the sofa…” she hinted at him.

 

[BeachBum25]

"No, there is no way that you are sleeping out here on the sofa. Even if I was inclined to let you do it, which I am most certainly not, my sister would have an absolute meltdown if she found out that I slept in the bed and you slept her. So, no way that is happening."

Holding her close, Declan felt like they were right where they belonged. There was no doubt that it would take a lot of work, but he knew that she was definitely worth it. He was the one that would have to work the hardest, since it seemed that his protective instincts were always deemed to be the problem. He couldn't always understand why trying to protect those he cared for was seen as such a bad thing, but he was going to try to be less overbearing in his attempts to protect; although, he would never stop trying to protect them.

Declan pulled Tori over into his lap. He placed his hands on her hips as he looked into her eyes. Then, their lips were locked together in a deep and passionate kiss. He moved his hands to her ass and caressed it through her pants as the kiss deepened. Suddenly, there were no concerns about the Moores, the police, or him being too protective. All that existed in his world was Tori... and he was totally fine with that.

Breaking the kiss for a moment, he looked into her eyes. "Oh, and no, you will not be the one sneaking back out here early in the morning. If anyone will be sneaking back here, it will be me." He smacked her ass playfully before continuing with the kiss.

Standing up with Tori in his arms, Declan once again broke the kiss. "Okay, which bedroom is yours," he laughed. Carrying her to the bedroom she indicated, Declan closed the door behind them with his foot. Carrying Tori to the bed, he laid her down gently and removed her top. His lips immediately moved to the scar on her chest... the scar that had stopped their last intimate encounter. He kissed it gently and traced it with his tongue as he looked up into her eyes. "I have missed you Tori... so much."

 

[zydrate]

Tori had wanted to playfully argue with Declan but decided not to... with the way things were going, she didn't want to mess up a good thing between them right now.

As their kisses got more passionate and Tori wrapped her arms around his neck, she felt stand with her in his arms... just like she belong there.. it took a moment for them to get to the bedroom where the other bed was located. Luckily it was 2 doors away from the one Rach had taken. Tori was glad she had gotten some bedding for the bed as he set her down gently before him.

It wasn't surprising to her that he was so gentle with her. It was kind of funny that the same hands that could beat the shit out a man could also be extremely gentle. She never feared of him or his temper but she had to admit he was passionate about protecting her.

"I missed you too Declan," she whispered as she felt his lips on her skin. She had missed this also, being in his arms... Tori removed his shirt and kissed his neck...worked up to the side of his jaw as her hands ran up and down his arms. Their skin touching for the first time in a long time. "You don't have to be careful D... I'm not going to break..." she told him, knowing that their past gave them some great times together...

 

[BeachBum25]

Looking up at Tori, Declan smiled at her. "I am not worried about breaking you Tor. It is just that the scar reminds me that I wasn't there for you when I should have been. I won't let that happen again."

He kissed her scar as he reached around and unhooked her bra. Slipping it off of Tori, Declan dropped the bra on the bed beside them as he began to caress her perfect breasts while moving up to kiss her. Although the kiss started off soft and tender, it quickly became deep and passionate. As he caressed her breasts, he pulled lightly on her erect nipples.

Declan was not in a hurry. Yes, it had been a long time since the two of them were together... too long, but he wanted it to be special. He wanted everything with Tori to be special. She was the calming force in his life.. most of the time. She was the one person who could get him to calm down when his anger was getting the best of him.

Breaking the kiss, Declan began to move down her body, kissing as he went. He stopped to kiss her breasts, and to lick and lightly bite her nipples, before continuing to kiss down her body. As his tongue teased her bellybutton, Declan unfastened her jeans and slid them down her body. After tossing them to the floor, he hooked his fingers into the waistband of her panties and removed them: depositing them on the floor with her jeans.

Looking up at Tori, Declan began to kiss up her legs... slowly... teasingly. Biting the inside of her knee lightly, and pausing to kiss each spot before kissing, nibbling and licking Tori's inner thighs. Moving closer and closer to her silkiness, Declan paused... one last tease before letting his tongue slide over her lips.

 

[zydrate]

It hurt Tori to hear him say he should have been there. Yeah, he should have been but her own stubborness when it had happened was what prevented him from being there. It happened so fast and suddenly that she swore Rachel into secrecy.

But why?

Tori wasn't sure. Probably because she wasn't sure how Deek would react. Or maybe she knew how he would react and that would cause another argument whatever the reason, it was long ago and there here...in the now... and it was a place Tori always wanted to be with him.

She remembered their first meeting. It was at the bar. She had been following her latest case and watching him as his wife had hired Tori to see if he was cheating on her. All the while, Tori and Declan made small talk as she did her best to blend in with the crowd when some idiot tried many times to hit on Tori. When she had told him he wasn't interested, the guy took offense and pushed Tori and that was when Declan had stepped in and punched the guy so hard, it knocked him out cold. Although others had stepped in, Tori could only glare at Declan before he was pulled away by his coworkers. Sure, Tori had lost the case that night.

She had gone back to the bar the next night to confront Declan only he wasn't there. His buddies at the bar gave her his address and she went to talk to him.... they did more than talk. After a bit of yelling at him and him at her, it was suddenly the next morning with Tori waking up in bed next to him in bed... for some reason the fight had turned into sex and from there... well...

She returned his kisses just as passionately as he had given them to her. She felt his protective hands run over her body...making her skin tingle to his touches. Only Declan could make her this hot and bothered... there was no one else...

In between kisses, Tori managed to peel Deek's shirt off of him and soon they were skin to skin, making her moan in his mouth. She felt his hands on her as she pulled back slightly to look at where his hands were as she put her own hands over his, encouraging him...

Tori held in a cry as she felt his mouth on her most private part... she arched her back and gasped outload, pushing herself against his lips and mouth... whispering his name, she pushed herself up on her elbows and looked...watching him work his magic on her with his mouth... Tori whispered his name, begging him...

 

[BeachBum25]

Declan's eyes met Tori's as he used his tongue on her button... circling slowly and then flicking it hard before sucking it into his mouth. Holding her clit between his lips, Declan pulled lightly on it as Tori raised her hips to him. He allowed his teeth to brush over it lightly as he pulled in it, and the gasp that he heard come from Tori let him know that he had her undivided attention.

Releasing her button, Declan stood up and undressed; his eyes never leaving Tori. Once he was finished undressing, he moved back onto the bed and began to kiss up her body... taking his time. Kissing over her breasts, Declan took the time to lightly bite each of tori's erect nipples before moving higher... his lips eventually finding hers as his body moved over top of her.

As they kissed passionately, Declan spread Tori's legs wider. It had been way too long since they had been together, and Declan was in no hurry, but he wanted to be inside of her. Pressing his hips to her, Declan slowly entered Tori; filling her with one long, slow, steady thrust of his hips. He felt Tori moving with him and it was as if they had never been apart. They knew each other so well.

He looked into her eyes as they moved together. They were perfect together. Their bodies moved in unison as Declan moved in and out of Tori. He missed this. It wasn't just the sex between them that he missed, but it was a part of it.

"Yes Tori, you are so amazing baby. I love how we move together. So fucking good."

 

[zydrate]

Tori was beyond words as she felt Declan move in and out of her.. her body responded by moving in time with him... before she knew it, she found herself on top of him, their rhythm never broken.

It was more than sex between herself and Declan. It was another level of awareness they both shared, it was always something special between them...

Pacing herself, Tori held on as long as she could and took over riding him, her hips grinding against his, she was close but didn't want to submit.. and she could tell, neither did he. They still fought for control even in their most intimate moments. She cold feel his was close as was she so she stopped moving and leaned down to kiss him, her breasts pressing against his chest.

She was going to keep moving but he rolled back over her and took control, this time, pumping in to her faster...

 

[BeachBum25]

They moved together perfectly. Declan moving in and out of Tori faster.... plunging deeper as Tori's wonderful body moved with him. He kissed Tori passionately as their lovemaking reached a fever pitch. Then, as they both were getting closer, he slowed down. The change of pace was not awkward as Tori matched his movements. They were so good together. Breaking the kiss, he looked into Tori's eyes. "You are so fucking amazing baby."

Quickening their pace again, it was only a matter of moments before they were both exploding in a mind blowing mutual orgasm. They continued moving together even as they descended from the orgasmic high. Rolling over onto his back, Declan pulled Tori on top of him. His hands caressed her back and her incredible ass as their bodies were pressed together; her perfect breasts against his chest.

They laid there quietly for a while enjoying the closeness. Declan was wondering if this was just a one time thing, or if it was a sign that there was a future for the two of them. He was really hoping it was the latter. He loved Tori and wanted her in his life; more than just on the periphery.

 

[zydrate]

It took a few moments for Tori to catch her breath... not because of her heart problem but as always, Declan took her breath away. She could feel his chest rise and fall beneath her as she wrapped her around his neck... it was quiet for a while as they relished the moment before Tori slid off and laid in his arms and felt safe and loved.

She closed her eyes, not realizing how tired she was and hadn't known she had fallen asleep until she had turned in bed and felt the empty spot next to her. It was early morning as the sun was starting to rise. Sitting up, Tori was going to call for Declan but decided not to as it was probably too early to do so and she didn't want to wake Rachel in the process. Instead, she lay back down on the bed and fell back asleep...

****

Smelling coffee, Tori opened her eyes and realized it was still dark... was it still night time? No.. sitting up fully and holding the sheet to her cover her chest, she realized it was morning but the sky was covered with storm clouds. She grabbed the temporary phone and saw that it was past 7am. She dressed quickly, tossing on a pair of black leggings and a t-shirt.

Walking to the kitchen, she came across Declan sitting at the kitchen table looking out the window, deep in thought. Tori cleared her throat to get his attention as she grabbed a coffee cup, "Morning." She said quietly and got a cup of coffee, tailoring it to her liking and sitting down with him at the table after kissing his cheek, "What's wrong?" She hoped he wasn't having doubts after last night.

 

[BeachBum25]

It just felt so right. Tori's body pressed to his. They lay there quietly. There was no need for words. They both knew that this is where they belonged..... together. When she moved off to him, it was still perfect. Tori was in his arms. As far as Declan was concerned, with Tori here with him the world was just how it should be.

It was still dark when Declan woke up. Tori was still curled up in his arms. He lightly kissed the top of her head and gently slipped out of the bed. He dressed and headed into the living room. For a while, Declan stood in the window and looked out in the dark. As the sun came up, he gave a little smile and had this thought that both figuratively and literally that this was the dawning of a new day.

Moving to the kitchen, Declan made a pot of coffee and sat down at the counter to wait for it to brew. Once it was finished, he poured himself a cup, walked over to the kitchen table and sat down to wait for the women to get up. He looked out the window again, and started thinking about how Tori and him could make things work here at the house. It was too far for the work that he was doing. He wondered if Tori could make her business work from here.

Hearing Tori clear her throat, Declan looked up at her. "Hey, you." He gave her a smile when she kissed his cheek and he let his hand brush over her fine ass as she moved past him to sit at the table.

"Wrong? Nothing is wrong baby. In fact, I think things are perfect this morning." He smiled at her; looking into her eyes. "I have just been sitting here wondering about how we could live here full time. Wondering how I would work, and wondering how you could make your business work if we stayed here."

He watched Tori for a reaction. He wanted to see if she gave an indication that she thought he was moving too fast in thinking about where their relationship was going, or whether she was open for them being back together.

 

[zydrate]

Live here?

Work from here?

To say she was taken by surprise would have been an understatement for Tori. It wasn't that she hadn't ever thought about it. She let the thought cross her mind over the past few days but didn't want to get her hopes up. She and Declan had more things to work out but what couple didn't?

Tori took a sip of coffee and set the cup down, pausing on how to say this with out sounding eager. She smiled and nodded, "Well," shrugging, Tori leaned her elbows on the table and looked at Declan, "it would take some work but I think we could find a way to make a living out here."

It wasn't that Tori didn't have doubts that Declan could do but she thought about Rachel. As she was going to mention her, Rachel wandered into the kitchen, having just got up, Tori knew if they told her anything right now, she would forget it later on... Looking at him, Tori gave him a look that said they would talk about it more later.

Rachel grabbed a bottle of water and moved toward the living room. She never was a morning person and before, Tori thought it was from staying out late but had soon figured she just wasn't a morning person.

"Let me make some breakfast and we can talk about it more later?"

Getting up, Tori ran a hand over Declan's arm and up his shoulder as she walked to the frig to get out some stuff for breakfast.

****

An hour later, everyone was fed and Declan had Rachel help him in cleaning up the kitchen. Tori took that time to go back to the bedroom and grab the burner phone. She dialed her voicemail number for the office and went through her messages, some were about bills but as she reached the last message, that's when she stood up from the bed, unable to gasp or react.

"This is Firechief Gates from District 23 Fire Service..." Tori sat in shock as she listened to the message... The building her office was in caught fire. The fire damage was too heavy but they were still investigating...

After she ended the call, Tori didn't move. She just sat there, stunned...

 

[BeachBum25]

When breakfast was finished, Declan insisted that Rachel help clean up. He wasn't going to let her just mope around. She was going to do her part with everything. She gave him a dirty look, but Declan ignored it. He was going to protect her, but he would not baby her.

When they were finished cleaning up, Declan looked around and realized that Tori had been gone for a while. He looked around a little and then went to her room. He knocked on the door softly an then opened it and looked inside. Seeing Tori sitting on the bed, Declan wondered if he had done something wrong. It was natural for him to feel that way, because this is what he saw from Tori every time she was upset with him. She would just sit quietly.

"Tor," he whispered, trying to make sure Rachel did not hear anything. "Tor, what's the matter baby? Are you okay?" He closed the door and walked over and sat next to her' putting his arm around her. "What is it Tori? Tell me what's the matter? If I did something, talk to me about it."

 

[zydrate]

Tor hadn't realized Declan had sat beside her until she felt his arm around her. Leaning her head on his shoulder, Tori shrugged. She couldn't cry. She wasn't the crying type when something like this happened. But that wasn't to say she wasn't close to it.

How was she going to tell him that the business she worked hard for wasn't there anymore... it was bad enough that she was struggling before but now...

She had to tell Deek though, this wasn't something she could keep from him as he was bound to find out one way or another.

With a deep breath, Tori sat back further back on the bed and quietly told him what happened, "I called my voicemail to check for any messages and well..." she replayed the one she had gotten from the fire department. Both were quiet for a bit but Tori moved away and stood up, "What am I going to do? They're going to investigate this but still... it was-" she had wanted to say it was the Moores but didn't want to assume anything yet. She had some faith that this was all just a run of bad luck... right? It had to be. "Anyway, I should probably get back there and see what's going on." She turned to him and felt bad about all this, "I'm sorry D, I know we're supposed to stay here to wait until things quieted down but... but anyway, you stay OK? Stay with Rachel."

 

[BeachBum25]

"Tori, there is nothing you can do by going back there. Seeing what they did will just upset you more. Stay here and let me go check it out for you. I will get my laptop from my place so you can get all your info. I know you backed everything up to the cloud... right? I know it is difficult to hear what they did, but you are strong enough to rebuild it and make it even better."

Declan knew that Tori wasn't going to just give in easily. "I know what you are thinking, but there is nothing good that can come from you seeing what they did. Please let me go and check it out first. If I think there is any good that can come from you being there, then I promise I will let you know. Really Tor. Please."

He waited and waited. He wasn't going to force her to stay here, but he wasn't going to let her go on her own. Ultimately, he would let her do what she wanted, but, if she decided to go, he was going too. If they were both going, the issue of Rachel would have to be decided. That is where the challenge would be. Even if Declan stayed, he was certain that Rachel would object and want to leave with Tori.

 

[zydrate]

Looking over at Declan, Tori's eyes locked with his. He was saying so much without saying much. She turned away and thought for it a bit. Yes, she wanted to go on her own but what if this was a set up? Was she just rushing this? She knew he would go with her no matter what and that would cause another fight between them... it would be an unnecessary fight also. Like him, she needed to let down her own guard and rely on him and his offer of help.

But what about Rachel? They could leave her here but she would be unprotected if something happened.

Her chest started to hurt as she felt herself stressing about this. With a few calming breaths, she felt Declan behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her close to him. She finally nodded, leaning against him, "I really need to see what's going on but you're right. If you don't mind going, I can stay here with Rachel so she's not alone. I don't want to bring any more stress on to her than needed. She's just about starting to act like her old self." Turning, she wrapped her arms around him, "As much as I want to go, this could be something to lure us out there... I just don't want to put you in the middle of anything dangerous."

"Let me make a call or two first, OK? I can call a few sources to see what's going on and see if they can find out what they can. Then, and only then, can we go from there... please D?"

 

[BeachBum25]

Declan held Tori in a way that let her know that he was not making demands, but he was just trying to protect her. He didn't want this to set them back from the progress that they had made. He cared too much for Tori, and wanted things to keep moving in a positive direction.

"Okay Tori, make those calls. This is your gig. Just know, I am going to do whatever I have to do to keep you safe. The Moore's have made this personal, babe. They came after the only two people I really care about in the world. They will pay for it if they did this.... and we both know they did."

He held her close when she turned to him. Kissing the top of her head, he whispered to her. "Yes, it could be an attempt to lure us out, and I don't want you to think that you are putting me in anything dangerous. They have done this and they will have to pay for what they have done."

He caressed her back a little. "While you make your calls, I will make a couple of calls also. McShea and Flannery have to know that the Moore's are still up to their shit, and I have to let them know that I am not going to sit back and let them do whatever they want."

 

[zydrate]

Tori nodded when he said he was going to make some calls also. She wanted to apologize for bringing more issues to the table and really, he didn't need to do anything about what happened with her business. But she knew better. This was important to her and in the end, important to him also.

Getting her bag, she got out her notebook and luckily, she had important numbers and names listed in there, as well as notes from some previous cases. She had the same stuff, as well as other information saved on a private server so, even if there were paper files on some things, everything else was saved elsewhere.

Her first call was to a close friend she had at the police station. He was a clerk she had befriended a while back after helping him out on someone harassing his mother. Asking him to look into what was filed for the fire, he said he would get back to her... Tori asked him to email her, as it was probably the safest and also not to worry, she wouldn't let his name leak out.

Not sure how long it had been since she started her calls, and of course, getting no immediate answers from anyone so far...

 

[BeachBum25]

Declan had a feeling that Tori wasn't really happy with him. She was putting a good face on, but he thought she just wanted to handle things on her own. This was why they clashed so often. Tori was always wanting to do things on her own and Declan was very protective of Tori. Tori would say that he was overprotective.

His call to Flannery was somewhat heated. At first, Flannery told him not to do anything. Flannery said he didn't think that the Moores had anything to do with the arson at Tori's office. "Who the fuck do you think did it then Flannery? They are pissed off because of what happened after they threatened Tori. Now, they decide to burn her office down and try to ruin her business. You can't tell me not to do anything. I am about to go and burn their fucking joint down."

Flannery realized that telling Declan to calm down and not do anything was a mistake. "Let me call McShea and I will get back to you." Declan saw that as a stalling tactic. "No, how about this... I will call McShea and I will let him call you after our conversation is over. The fucking Moores have to pay for this shit. It has to be more than just me whipping people's asses. It has to be wholesale fucking takedown or I am going to go off on all of those motherfuckers."

After disconnecting the call from Flannery, Declan called McShea. It took McShea a little while to answer. When he did, he told Declan that he was on the phone with Flannery and he would call him back in a couple of minutes. Declan was pissed. Dropping his phone on the bed, he held in a scream. "How the fuck did Flannery get through to him before me."

He was certain that McShea and Flannery would take their time talking... hoping Declan would calm down.

 

[zydrate]

This wasn't helping. Tori needed to go back. There was no denying it. She had talk to the Fire Chief about all this. She also talked to the detective in charge and right now, there wasn't anything he could do... this was just a fire. He was more concentrated on other cases. In a way, Tori got it but it didn't make it any easier right now. She would talk with Declan about this later...

Before dinner later that night, Rachel came to Tori, her look was full of worry, "Hey Tor? Is everything OK? It's like walking over hot cold in here... the tension-it's a lot..." Giving her full attention to Rachel, Tori nodded and patted the seat next to her at the counter. "Everything is OK... I know it seems like something's wrong but it's not. I have some business I need to handle in person as it's a bit hard to do at the moment but it can all wait. I mean even your brother is having a hard time..." She had her arm around Rachel and took her to the window where they could see Declan on the phone... and just by his gestures, it wasn't good. "I mean, look at your brother... he's trying to work over the phone by seeing if he can mix a drink for a customer..." that had Rachel relax a bit and also laugh. "I'm starving so I--" Tori stopped, placing her hand on her chest.

No! No!

Stopping, she placed her other hand on table and stopped... taking a breath--no, that hurt. Trying her best not to stress, Tori sat the counter, her eyes closed as she mentally tried to make the pain go away. She could hear Rachel call out for Declan...

Shaking her head, Tori tried to speak but it was hard. She calmed down, struggling to speak... Before she knew it, she felt herself in Declan's arms. She continued to speak, "Green... green pills... purse......" If she didn't get the pills, she knew it would solidify a treat to the ER...

***

Tori wasn't sure how long it had been but she woke up and she sat up... she realized she was the bed in Declan's house... he wasn't there... until she heard her name and he had come out from the corner of the room...had he been with her all this time?

 

[BeachBum25]

Standing on the porch while he waited for McShea to call him back, Declan could feel himself getting more and more frustrated. His anger continued to build. Then he heard Rachel call his name. It wasn't a normal tone though. Rachel was freaking out.

Rushing into the house, Declan saw the frazzled look on Rachel's face. Then, he looked over and saw Tori. She was holding her chest. She was gasping; trying to catch her breath. She was trying to say something. For a second, he looked at Rachel. "What happened?" Then it hit him. It must have something to do with her heart surgery.

Listening closer to Tori, he heard something about pills and her purse. He grabbed Tori's purse and saw a prescription bottle in it. Looking at the label it said something about "2 as needed." Declan took two pills out of the bottle and gave them to Tori as he took his water bottle off the counter and handed it to Tori. After taking the pills, she looked at him. Declan told Tori, "I am calling 911." Tori shook her head no. She said to just let her relax and the pills would take care of everything.

Tori put her head down on the counter. Before he knew it, she was sleeping. At first he worried, and checked to make sure she was breathing. Then, he picked her up and carried her to his room and laid her on the bed. After getting her under the covers and making sure she was okay, Declan looked at his phone and saw that he had missed the call from McShea. He stepped out of the room and looked at Rachel. Walking over to her, he gave her a hug and kissed the top of her head. "She is going to be okay Rach. Things have been stressful lately. I think it just built up and got to her. Do me a favor. Wait in there with her for a minute. I have to make a call, and I will be right back in."

After Rachel went into his room, Declan went out onto the porch and called McShea back. The anger that he had been feeling before Tori's episode had returned; at a higher level. When McShea answered, Declan went off. "The motherfuckers have to pay. They burnt down her business and the stress of that is having a negative effect on her health. She has a heart condition and I am afraid I almost lost her. If nothing is done to them, I am going to burn their fucking place down and kill every one of those motherfuckers."

McShea let Declan vent, and then began to talk to him. "D, they are going to pay, but not in the way you want them to pay. I am going to ruin their business. I am going to make them come crawling to me and beg me to save their business, and when they do, then you will have an opportunity to get your pound of flesh. They will answer to you D, but not until I have ruined them financially. That is when the physical part will come in. Oh, and Saltwater will be yours. I will give it to you to run the way you want."

It wasn't necessarily what he wanted to hear, but it was going to have to do.... for now. "Okay Mr. McShea. I trust you. As long as they pay.. and pay dearly, I am good with it."

Going back inside, Declan went to his room. He hugged Rachel again, and told her that he would stay with Tori. Rachel walked out of the room and Declan sat in the corner and watched Tori. He watched her closely... making sure that she was breathing. At times, he leaned forward if he thought it had been too long between breaths.

When Declan saw Tori stir and then sit up, he took a deep breath and waited a second. He didn't want to scare her. Then, he got up and slowly moved over to the side of the bed. "He caressed her back and kissed her cheek. "Are you okay baby?"

 

[zydrate]

Tori remembered telling Rachel not to worry... but her expression was the same as it was that night Tori had her first attack. Even though she was sleepy, she heard Rachel tell her she was OK, she was just startled at how it happened so fast. That was the last thing Tori remembered as she had fallen back asleep, feeling her body give in to resting.

Feeling Declan sit beside her and his arms were around her in an instant, holding her close. He asked if she was OK... Tori tried to give him a small laugh but couldn't. Instead, she shrugged and nodded, "Sorry about all that... I guess I should take it easy."

She wasn't sure why she was apologizing but she felt the need to say she was sorry. This was one reason she hadn't told Declan about all this. She was embarrassed and didn't want him to think he would need to take care of her. Even though another part of her brain told her it was OK to be taken care of from time to time.

Laying back on the bed, she had a splitting headache but did her best to ignore it, "What time is it?" He told her and she nodded, "Did you hear back from anyone yet? I still need to check my email to see if anything came through..." she was rambling and she felt Declan's hand in hers as he gave it a squeeze. "I'm fine... really."

 

[BeachBum25]

"Tori, you just said that you should take it easy and then a minute later you are asking if I heard back from anyone, and that you need to check your email. What you need to do is relax. There is nothing that checking your email or voicemail, or meeting with the Fire Marshall is going to resolve right now. What you need to do is take care of yourself. Your health is the most important thing right now."

Sitting on the bed, Declan looked at Tori as she laid on the bed. He held onto her hand and remained quiet for a couple of minutes, hoping to get Tori to relax. Sensing that she wasn't going to relax until she had some kind of information, Declan squeezed her hand. "Tor, some wheels are in motion to address what happened to your office. I will take care of the meeting with the Fire Marshall. Other people are gathering information. What you need to do is to rest a little, and then start working on getting all of your business information together. I know you have all of your files archived. You can get them off the cloud. The best thing for you to do is focus on getting your business back up and running and not looking back at the negative."

Declan was hoping that she would listen to him. Everything he told her was accurate. There was nothing there to deceive her. Yes, in the past he may have told her things that were not completely accurate in an attempt to protect her, but he was not going to do that anymore. He was committed to being open and honest with Tori.

"Tor, look at me." He paused for a second. "Please just focus on moving forward and not about what has already happened. Let me handle all of the bad stuff. You focus on your business and making sure that your current clients know you are working on their cases and making sure that future clients are confident that you can do the job for them. I know you can. You know you can. Make sure they know you can."

 

[zydrate]

Tori took in what he told her and she just nodded, laying back down on the bed, her head on his lap. "I'm sorry D, I don't tell you a lot but I do appreciate your help... and thank you, for wanting to take on what happened. I just feel bad for having you do so." She closed her eyes and felt his hand running through her hair and that made her feel better.

She had forgotten how tired she would get after taking those pills when these attacks happened. Yes, they have happened more than once since her surgery. The only thing was either, she just be careful and not get worked up or a heart transplant... and the latter wasn't going to happen because she wasn't on top of the list because she wasn't in dire need. But she knew that day would be coming sooner than later if she kept having to have high stress levels.

"I'm OK... I'll move to the couch in a few minutes..." she said, mumbling as she fell asleep once again.

***

"I'm telling you D, she needs a new heart. That's what her doctor said when she had a check up and I went with her." Both brother and sister were sitting there, watching a movie, which Rachel was sure Declan wasn't paying attention to as he kept getting up almost every 10 minutes... but later slowed down to every 15 minutes.

"From what I understand, she's so low on the list it's not even funny. They said she has to get worse before they'll make her better." She was eating a burger and had a side salad her brother had made. It was usually the only fast thing he was able to make when time was tight. Rachel offered to cook but didn't really know any big dishes to make except spaghetti and they didn't have the ingredients for that. "I know I shouldn't be telling you that but someone has to... she doesn't want to have worry about one more thing... like always."

***

A loud clash of thunder woke Tori from a hard sleep. She gasp and tried to sit up but didn't succeed as she felt Declan's arms around her and had her pulled against him. It took her a few moments to get her bearings as she relaxed in his arms once more. How long had she been asleep?

She lay there a few more moments as she thought about her office... was it a dream?

No. Sighing, she pulled away from Declan's arms and sat up on the bed. Her temporary phone was on the nightstand and so she grabbed it and looked at the time... 4AM. It was too early to be up and yet, she had been asleep since 6pm-ish? Not knowing what to do, she lay back down on the bed and closed her eyes and listened to the storm outside.

***

The room was bright and she was alone in bed. Sitting up, Tori looked out the window and could see the sun rising... not just that but she could smell coffee and of course, breakfast. Washing up in the bathroom, she changed in a different t-shirt and this time, opted for a pair of jean shorts. She had mentally promised herself she was going to rest today and to rest, she needed to be comfortable.

Walking out to the kitchen, Rachel saw her first and her face lit up as she almost tackled Tori and hugged her, "You're OK! I told D that if you weren't up in an hour I was going to drag you out of bed."

Tori smiled, "I'm fine. Just starving since I kinda missed dinner." It was true, she was starving and of course, thirsty. "So, what's for breakfast?"

 

[BeachBum25]

Declan listened as Rachel told him about how serious Tori's condition was. It did not surprise him that Tori had downplayed anything with him. She knew that he would insist that they find a way to get her moved up on the donor list, and he was sure that she just wanted to let things happen in their own good time.

After cleaning up from Rachel's dinner, Declan decided to go sit with Tori again. Rachel understood why he was leaving her alone, and even offered to sit with Tori. Declan thanked her, but said that he would rather do it. "You need to rest Rach. Put something on television or listen to music. Just chill. I will be okay sitting with her.... and no, I am not being overprotective. I am just still processing all of the information that Tori has kept hidden from me."

Saying goodnight to Rachel, Declan went into the bedroom and sat in the corner again. He watched Tori closely as his mind wandered through what Rachel had told him about Tori's condition. She was so worried about her business that she wasn't taking care of herself. If she didn't the business wouldn't be anything because she wouldn't be able to run it.

He sat there for the longest time and then decided that he needed to get some rest. He moved over to the bed and laid down next to Tori. He slipped in quietly; making sure not to wake her, and gently placed his arm around her. He felt her stir with the clap of thunder, but he did not move. He didn't want Tori to think that he was overly worried about her, so, he pretended to still be asleep.

After Tori laid back down and fell back to sleep, Declan laid there for a little while. Then, around 6 am, he got out of bed quietly and went to the kitchen and made coffee. He sat at the counter until the coffee was ready and then poured a cup and took it out on the porch. It was still raining and he enjoyed just staring out into it.

After enjoying the fresh air for a while, Declan went back inside and began to make breakfast. He knew Tori would be hungry. She hadn't eaten in a long time since the medication she had taken had knocked her out. He made eggs and bacon and sausage and diced up some potatoes and fried them up with peppers and onions. Tori had done a good job shopping. Knowing how much Tori could chow down when she was hungry, Declan made sure there was plenty of food for her when she came out to eat.

When Tori came out, Declan was just finishing putting the Potatoes on a platter. "There is a lot of food here for you babe. Rachel and I are going to wait until you are finished. We don't want to deny you any food, and we both know how much you eat when you are hungry. Although, I don't know where you put it on that fine body."

HE laughed a little as he looked over at Rachel, who was also laughing. "When you are finished eating Tori, we need to talk about a couple things, but I want you to get some food in you first." He saw the dirty look he got from Rachel. Fortunately, Tori didn't see it.

 

[zydrate]

Assuming he had wanted to talk more about what happened yesterday with the business and such, Tori acknowledged it as she dished out her food. He was right about one thing, she could eat but of course, she made sure to leave enough for them both as she settled at the table with Rachel across from her and Declan to her other side. The conversation during their breakfast, was kept light hearted and fun. Nothing really important was talked about but Tori could sense Declan watching her like a hawk... probably hoping she didn't have a repeat episode from the day before. Tori reached over and gave his hand a squeeze as she took a sip of her coffee.

Rachel offered to get the dishes out of the way and that she would even clean up later after lunch so they could have a full dishwasher. Before she left to her room, Rachel gave Tori a quick hug and whispered to her, "I'm sorry Tor... I had to."

Tori looked at Rachel and gave her a look of understanding... she must have said something about this happening before or something.

Standing and going to refill her cup, Tori added a bit of creamer and sugar to it, hoping to prolong the 'talk'. Why did she feel like she was in trouble?

She sat back down and turned her attention to Declan, "OK... let's talk. It is something about the business? Did you find out something?" She asked.